Mumbai: Renowned young sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s latest instrumental composition, The Burning Ghat, has struck a powerful chord with both audiences and celebrities alike. Released on July 4, the track pays a moving tribute to the eternal flame of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, blending musical mastery with a deeper message of mental healing. In just 72 hours, the video crossed the milestone of 1 million views on YouTube, making it one of Rishab’s fastest-growing releases.
Shot on the sacred ghats of Varanasi, The Burning Ghat captures the spiritual intensity of the holy city while also echoing Rishab’s ongoing commitment to mental wellness through music. The soul-stirring instrumental, free of lyrics but rich in emotion, is his first major release following the success of his Sitar For Mental Health India tour.
The release sparked a wave of appreciation across the entertainment industry:
- Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga took to Instagram to share the track, celebrating Rishab’s immersive artistry.
- Karan Johar called it “so lovely” on his Instagram story, pairing his praise with a flurry of red hearts.
- Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, reposted the track, tagging Rishab and calling attention to the depth of his talent.
- Actress Tamannaah Bhatia also gave a shoutout, praising the meditative energy of the music.
- Shikhar Pahariya joined the celebration, writing, “Too good Bhai,” in his post, further amplifying the buzz.
Known for his ability to fuse classical Indian traditions with contemporary sensibilities, Rishab has been a prominent face of the country’s emerging neo-classical music movement. His earlier compositions such as Chanakya and Tandavam have been lauded for their innovative structure and emotional impact.
The Burning Ghat marks a creative high point for the young musician, not just in terms of viewership but in its reception across all generations. Rishab’s deep-rooted message of using music as a medium for healing has gained traction globally, and this track further cements his position as a transformative force in modern Indian music.
As his audience continues to expand and his melodies reach new corners of the world, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma proves yet again that the sitar isn’t just an instrument—it’s a bridge between the soul and sound, tradition and tomorrow.
